Operation We Love Our Troops
It was a privilege this week to participate in “Operation: We Love Our Troops” by putting together care packages for our soldiers. Two of these boxes will be heading to a soldier from the 56th District who is bravely serving our country overseas.
Below is a member of my staff packing one of the care packages. Thank you to all the men and women who so selflessly serve to protect our freedom and keep our country safe.
State Budget Housing Provisions
In Wisconsin, the statewide median home price increased 7.7% from the first half of 2022 to the first half of 2023. In June, 2023, the median home price for an existing home topped $300,000 for the first time – that’s an increase of 8.6% over the last 12 months.
To tackle these housing issues and make it easier for you and your family to own a home, Assembly Republicans took a number of actions in the recently passed state budget. We allocated $525 million for housing initiatives to increase access and affordability of housing statewide, particularly for seniors and young workers, including:
- $50M for the workforce housing rehabilitation loan program
- This program is intended to help existing homeowners stay in their home through loans to rehab housing stock, such as removal of lead paint, asbestos, etc. or repairing flooring, walls/ceilings, plumbing systems, etc.
- $275M for the residential housing infrastructure revolving loan fund
- This fund will help residential housing developers cover costs associated with installing, replacing, upgrading, or improving public infrastructure that are for workforce housing or senior housing projects
- $100M for the Main Street Housing rehabilitation revolving loan fund
- This fund is targeted at implementing or improving rental housing on Main Street properties
- These funds will help owners of rental properties cover costs to maintain or restore safe and decent housing
- $100M for commercial-to-housing conversion revolving loan fund
- This program will help convert vacant commercial buildings into livable spaces for workforce or senior housing
Vida Trinity House Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday I was happy to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for Trinity House, a maternity home sponsored by Vida Medical Clinic and Support Services.
EAA AirVenture
I enjoyed touring EAA’s AirVenture this week, including seeing one of the new F-35s from Wisconsin’s own 115th Fighter Wing!
Capitol Christmas Ornaments
It’s only July, but the 2023 Capitol Christmas ornaments are already available for sale at the State Capitol Rotunda Information Desk for $20. The 2023 Christmas ornaments feature the 40th anniversary of the Concerts on the Square. The information desk also has the 2022 and 2012 ornaments available for $20 and $15 respectively.
Free Wisconsin Travel Guides
If you’re planning a Wisconsin vacation and looking for fun things to do in our state, you can order free Wisconsin travel guides from our state web site.
Upcoming Events
EAA AirVenture
EAA Grounds, Oshkosh
July 24-30
Winnebago County Fair
Oshkosh
August 2-6
Appleton Mile of Music
Downtown Appleton
August 3-6
Burger Fest
Downtown Seymour
August 12
Greenville Summer Send Off
August 26
